Valerie Patterson

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The beginning and ending of life, childhood vs old age, past vs present, neurosis, hypocrisy, apathy and a lack of integrity and honesty in society...While some of these themes, without contemplation, may be interpreted as negative in nature, I utilize them to encourage thought and emotion in an effort to promote a sense of commonality, discovery, unity and action. It is my belief that it is only when we face the unvarnished truth, no matter how disturbing or uncomfortable, that we are capable of deep understanding and can make real, positive, change. Art can, and does, change the world. It creates a safe place for viewers to experience and process thoughts and emotions. This is art that moves beyond mere aesthetic. This is art to start the conversation. Sometimes just an awakening is enough...

Patterson’s award-winning watercolor paintings have been exhibited extensively throughout the United States in both group and solo exhibitions including at The Bond St. Gallery in Brooklyn, NY, The Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, VA, The Arts & Literature Laboratory in New Haven CT and The Crary Art Center Gallery in Warren, PA.

The beginning and ending of life, childhood vs old age, past vs present, neurosis, hypocrisy, apathy and a lack of integrity and honesty in society...While some of these themes, without contemplation, may be interpreted as negative in nature, I utilize them to encourage thought and emotion in an effort to promote a sense of commonality, discovery, unity and action. It is my belief that it is only when we face the unvarnished truth, no matter how disturbing or uncomfortable, that we are capable of deep understanding and can make real, positive, change. Art can, and does, change the world. It creates a safe place for viewers to experience and process thoughts and emotions. This is art that moves beyond mere aesthetic. This is art to start the conversation. Sometimes just an awakening is enough...